What Items Are Included in a Car's Fourth Maintenance?
2 Answers
Car's fourth maintenance primarily involves replacing the oil filter and gear oil, cleaning the air filter and cabin air filter, followed by various inspections. In addition to routine maintenance and oil changes, it includes replacing spark plugs. It is particularly advisable to replace the original spark plugs after 20,000 kilometers. For vehicles used for less than two years, it is necessary to top up the antifreeze and check the brake fluid. For vehicles that have been in use for two years, it is recommended to replace both the antifreeze and brake fluid. Additional Information: Many items in the regular maintenance schedule are not prone to damage under normal driving conditions, so they only require inspection. These include: tire side slip condition, brake function and pedal free play, hand brake function, clutch free play and clutch fluid level, steering wheel free play, air conditioning system, instrument functions, seat belts and warning systems, power windows, sunroof, rearview mirrors, lights, wipers, horn, antenna, central locking system, battery fluid, air conditioning compressor belt, distributor cap and rotor, high-voltage wires, ignition timing, idle speed and exhaust emissions, power steering system, fuel lines, driveshaft dust boots, exhaust muffler, suspension fastening nuts (chassis inspection), tires and rims, wheel bearings, front brake caliper oil pipes, secondary air injection system, positive crankcase ventilation system, evaporative emission control system, intake air temperature control system, catalytic converter, and oxygen sensors, among others. These components will only be replaced or adjusted by the maintenance facility if they are found to be damaged (abnormal) during the inspection.
Last time, I just completed the fourth maintenance for my car, which was when it reached 25,000 kilometers. The whole process was quite comprehensive. Primarily, the engine oil and oil filter were replaced—this is the basic procedure for every maintenance session, as it helps clean the internal engine. The air filter was also replaced with a new one because the old one had accumulated a lot of dust, which could affect air intake and fuel efficiency. They also inspected the braking system and measured the wear on the brake pads, which were still within the normal range and didn’t need replacement. For the tires, they rotated their positions to ensure even wear and extend their lifespan. A lighting test was conducted, covering the front and rear headlights, turn signals, and brake lights—all were functioning properly. Additionally, the technician checked the battery condition and measured its voltage, confirming it was still healthy. Finally, they recommended checking the coolant, but my car didn’t need it yet. I think the fourth maintenance is quite important—it helps detect minor issues early and avoids major repairs in the future, making the cost worthwhile. I recommend all car owners to stick to the schedule and not delay maintenance until problems arise.
